CD Reviews: The Brothers Cazimero and Na Leo

The Brothers Cazimero

Destiny

(Mountain Apple Co.)

The Brothers Caz may well be the only group that could bring gravitas to the song “It’s Raining/It’s Pouring.” Their new album, Destiny, is full of musical feats such as this: Ubiquitous war-horse “No Ke Ano Ahiahi” is stood on its head, before being gently righted; new composition “Ka Imi Loa” shines with the warmth and skill of more than 30 years’ worth of musical chops. A new classic by old masters.

Na Leo

E Hula Mai Kakou

(OneHawaii Music)

Na Leo returns to the roots of Hawaiian music with this collection of hula songs. The trio hasn’t lost the pop tendencies it’s maintained since its very first single, “Local Boys” in 1984—old standards and new compositions alike get a polished, modern production. If you dig Na Leo’s adult contemporary style, this is a sure thing. If you like your “Pupu Hinuhinu” and “Pua Maeole” a little simpler and rawer, though, a quick iTunes preview may be in order.